Canada Highlights Women’s Empowerment and Trade Cooperation with Indonesia

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Canadian Embassy in Jakarta celebrated International Women’s Day 2026 with a “Speed Mentoring” event, emphasizing the importance of female role models and economic empowerment for young women in Indonesia. The program, held on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, brought together accomplished women from various fields to mentor and inspire students and young professionals.

“Providing young women with the opportunity to ask questions and learn from those who have achieved success is essential. It’s not just about achievements but also understanding the challenges and how to overcome them,” Canadian Ambassador to Indonesia Jess Dutton said, as quoted by Antara.

The ambassador underscored that gender equality is a priority in Canada’s international cooperation programs in Indonesia. Canadian initiatives focus on reproductive health, combating child marriage and female genital mutilation, reducing gender-based violence, and supporting maternal and child nutrition.

Programs also aim to empower women economically, ensuring their voices are heard in communities and helping them assert their rights locally. The event coincides with broader Canada-Indonesia trade cooperation.

Ambassador Dutton confirmed that the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between Canada and Indonesia is expected to be ratified this year. CEPA includes provisions to support women-led businesses, SMEs, and indigenous communities, alongside eco-technology initiatives to help Indonesia align regulations and maximize the benefits of the agreement.

“Canada is committed to doubling non-U.S. trade within 10 years, and partnerships with countries like Indonesia are key to achieving this goal,” he said.

He also welcomed Indonesia’s ongoing accession process to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), highlighting the benefits of joining a major multilateral trade bloc.

The CEPA negotiations were substantially concluded on November 15, 2024, with Indonesia and Canada finalizing key points on December 2, 2024, following Indonesia’s official request to join CPTPP on September 19, 2024.

Through programs like mentoring, gender-focused initiatives, and trade agreements, Canada and Indonesia are reinforcing a partnership that blends social progress, economic opportunity, and global trade cooperation. ***